All series talk goes in here. Non series talk goes somewhere else. No PBP, that can be found from other sources if you need it. All games are broadcast on AT&T Sports SW unless otherwise noted. 8-22 Tanner Roark RHP vs. Charlie Morton RHP 7:10 8-23 Edwin Jackson RHP vs. Mike Fiers RHP 7:10 8-24 Stephen Strasburg RHP vs. Dallas Keuchel LHP 7:10 MLBN (out-of-market only)
Nats have been even more injury bitten than the Stros: Lost starting CF Adam Eaton for the season early Lost backup CF Michael Taylor (who played well this year) for much of the season Lost starting LF Jason Werth for most of the season (still awaiting his return) They've also had injuries to their pitching staff in Max and Stras. And of course, Bryce Harper is hurt. But they made significant trades this year: Acquired Doolittle, Madson, and Kintzler to bolster their bullpen Got Howie Kendrick to add to their already potent lineup Sigh, I feel like Rizzo did all the things we wanted Luhnow to do. Hope it's a good series for the Astros.
Don't forget stud Trea Turner being out for the last 4-6 weeks. They moved early on Doolittle/Madson..ended up being a smart play as long as Doolittle stays healthy. (I had been advocating for him since ~May.) Kintzler is basically Clippard IMO. And the Kendrick move was made out of necessity, precisely because of all the long-term injuries--and the lack of internal options. He's also batting out of his mind with a .400+ BABIP and an ISO 3x his career rate since coming over. He's not that great anymore. I'd argue that we made this move in the offseason already with Beltran and/or McCann. But totally agree they sniped solid Oakland RPs that we should've gone for. Getting the pair in 1 deal was something no one was talking about until it was done
Also, keep in mind: the Nationals are chasing the Dodgers in the NL. In the AL, we ARE the Dodgers. In fact, we were the Dodgers before the Dodgers were the Dodgers. They're the Astros of the NL.
The Astros are 28 over .500 and the Dodgers are 53 games over .500. The Nats are only 2 games behind us. The Astros lead in the AL is down to 5 games and the Dodgers have a 13.5 game lead. The Astros are not the Dodgers. The Astros are 16-19 in there last 35 games...and 10-15 in there last 25 games.
Did you post this on May 30?? The Astros have not been the Dodgers of the AL for quite some time. In fact, since we started 42-16, we're 34-32. That's hardly dominant, and it's over a significant portion of the season. It's ok to be honest about the situation. They're working on getting healthy, and hoping to peak in September/October, but right now, they are not a great baseball team.
Jesus christ.......... On the morning of June 10, the Astros were on pace to win 112 games; the Dodgers 97. The season's first "holy ****!" unstoppable juggernaut was right here in Houston. Thus, the Astros were the Dodgers before the Dodgers were the Dodgers. Get it?
WTF does that even mean? who cares what we were on June 10? through a much more significant part of the season the dodgers have absolutely smoked us and the rest of the field. as fryeball pointed out, we're 2 games over .500 over our last 66! this has been a very average team for quite a while. now we've battled injuries and all but so have they. we're not the "dodgers of the AL" - there is no "dodgers of the AL" at this point. a 5 game lead with a 1/4 of the season left and a team that has been barely over .500 for months is not the same thing.
I did forget about that steal machine Turner, lol. Yeah, I've heard Rizzo on some interview talk about getting great value by moving early on Madson and Doolittle, so they wouldn't be pressed by the trade deadline constraints. And as much as Kendrick is raking out of his mind, it's still quality depth if he falls back to earth. I think their bench is deeper than the Astros, and a healthy Eaton will make their offense even better next year.
Hinch's handwriting is pretty beautiful. But for the use of ALL CAPS, I'd swear it was a woman's handwriting. Just sayin'.
the funny part of him getting value early is that Luhnow felt like he lost on value by moving early with Fiers/Gomez 2 years ago. It seems like the waiting game is heavy risk/reward...if David Price becomes available (and they nearly got Britton), you're golden. If not, you lose bigger. Given the team's position, I think I'm happy he risked for the bigger fish (either Britton or hoping that a Price-esque guy came available)
Of the last 66, Astros won 56.4% in first 39 games, 50% in next 8, were dog **** for next 13, and won 66.6% in last 6. Astros are 13 games over 0.500 in their last 77.
